Jim Holthouser ’81, ’83, ’85, chief executive officer of GoTo Foods and a three-time UofL graduate, is the University of Louisville 2024 Alumnus of the Year.
He credits his time at the university for helping shape him into the person he is today.
Holthouser is the Chief Executive Officer for GoTo Foods, parent company of Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, Moe’s Southwest Grill®, McAlister’s Deli®, Schlotzsky’s® and Seattle’s Best Coffee®.
He is a top-performing global executive specializing in the hospitality, restaurant and food service industries, with extensive expertise in new brand development, brand extensions, brand repositioning, loyalty initiatives, franchise management, product development, concept innovation and turnaround management.
For more than 30 years, he leveraged his extensive experience in international business, franchising, brand management and global product development to grow some of the world’s most well-known brands in the hospitality industry.
Under his leadership, hospitality-related companies have thrived with innovative and customer-focused solutions to grow and reinvigorate brands, improve loyalty, create cost savings and drive revenue and unit growth.
He is now leading GoTo Foods into its next phase of growth for its seven food services concepts while delivering value to all company partners, driving results and profitability for franchisees and an exceptional customer experience.
“It is an honor to announce Jim Holthouser as our 2024 Alumnus of the Year. Jim is a three-time UofL graduate who is committed to the university and its mission. We look forward to celebrating him and all the honorees in October at this year’s Alumni Awards,” said Josh Hawkins, assistant vice president for alumni relations and annual giving. “We’d also like to thank Stock Yards Bank and Trust for their continued support of the university and specifically for our program as the Presenting Sponsor.”
The Alumnus of the Year honoree personifies the qualities, mission and values of the university. The award is presented to a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in professional and philanthropic endeavors and who has shown loyalty and support to the entire university.
Holthouser leads an exceptional group of 18 honorees who represent each of UofL’s colleges, schools, military alumni and student affairs division, as well as the signature award winners, who are recognized for extraordinary achievements in their profession and enduring service in their community.
The 2024 Alumni Fellows are:
- James E. Holthouser ’81, ’83, ’85 – Alumnus of the Year
- Audwin A. Helton ’98 – Alumni Ambassador Award
- Derwin L. Webb ’92, ’97 – Diversity Leadership Award
- DeShara C. Doub ’10, ’18 – Emerging Leader Award
- Andrew J. Lombardo ’07, ’13 – Military Alumni Award
- Reba Ann Page ’71, ’76, ’83 – College of Arts & Sciences
- Chris Dischinger ’90 – College of Business
- Ann M. Windchy ’67, ’71, ’80 – School of Dentistry
- Kathryn DeFerrari ’98, ’00, ’15 – College of Education & Human Development
- Latonia Craig ’04, ’06 – Graduate School
- Anita P. Barbee ’01 – Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work & Family Science
- John E. Montgomery ’64, ’69 -Louis D. Brandeis School of Law
- Salvatore J. Bertolone ’70 – School of Medicine
- Daniel Jenkins ’00 – School of Music
- Mandi D. Walker ’04 – School of Nursing
- Matt Rhodes ’15 – School of Public Health & Information Sciences
- Angela C. Leet ’91, ’92 – J.B. Speed School of Engineering
- Doug Kemper ’86 – Student Affairs Legacy Award
The University of Louisville Wilson Wyatt Alumni Awards are the highest honor bestowed by Louisville Alumni. These awards recognize distinguished graduates who are exemplary ambassadors for the university and their college or school. Recipients reflect the high standing and character of their alma mater.
Each year, as part of the Homecoming celebration, the University of Louisville and Louisville Alumni honor and celebrate the exceptional and diverse achievements of our alumni. The 2024 Alumni Awards will be held Thursday, Oct. 17. For additional information on this year’s honorees, visit www.uoflalumni.org/awards.
The 2024 University of Louisville Wilson Wyatt Alumni Awards presenting sponsor is Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company.
